Tuesday, October 29, 2013

VISITING YABU AT SM AURA

Be honest.. Before Yabu existed, was there anyone that ever stopped for a second and said, "Hey, I'm craving for some Katsu!". Back in the day, it was always just usually, "Dude, let's go for some sushi", or "I want some tempura!", or even the generic, "Let's get some Japanese food!".

Let's face it.. Yabu: The House Of Katsu elevated Japanese Katsu to a new level of dining, to the point where different franchises from all around the globe scrambled to set up shop in the Philippines, just to get a piece of the action. I haven't tasted all the other Katsu places that have opened just yet, but in my opinion, Yabu's place in the market that it created in this country is safely perched at the very top.

Whenever they have a new addition to their menu, I always feel compelled to stop whatever it is I'm doing just to give it a try (I've gotten in trouble at work cuz of that mentality... My boss was waiting on the other line.. Long story..). Which is why I was surprised even myself that I waited longer than usual to give their newest dishes a try.

Now I'm kicking myself for not having gone to Yabu's Aura Branch sooner.

Yabu: The House of Katsu SM Aura branch is located at the mall's gorgeous SkyPark (Same floor as Coca). Like its other branches, it maintains that zen-like feel, with playful Japanese Anime inspired portraits adorning the walls.

THE FOOD

APPETIZERS

One of the few salads I eat, is Potato Salad. Yabu's Superior Potato and Egg Salad (P195) reaffirms that. Huge chunks of potatoes and hard boiled egg, balanced by a Japanese mayo blend, giving it a nice creaminess, and a touch of acid at the same time.

Rina was intrigued by the new addition to the salad menu.. The Iidako Salad (P195).

This was bits of Baby Octopus bathed in a Japanese sweet sauce. Eating octopus is a little bit too weird for me, so much to the delight of Rina, I passed on this, allowing her to devour the whole bowl all by her little sweet self (She's so adorable).

Here's a little tip for you: When you go to Yabu, order the Layu sauce (P35) for yourself. Do NOT share with anyone. You're going to need each and every morsel of that little bowl. Trust me on this.

How do I describe it.. Hmm.. ok.. So, You know that Chili Garlic Oil they have in dimsum restaurants? I always watch in envy as my friends make a mixture of soy sauce and that Chili Garlic Oil with calamansi, simply because It's a bit too spicy for me, and it might trigger my acids.

Guess what? This is Chili Garlic Oil done right. You get the kick of the garlic, without the overwhelming heat of the chili! And the good thing about it is, it goes perfect with all the Katsus!

What I did, was pour it straight into my rice and mix things up a bit, ensuring I get a bit of that garlic flavor in every bite.

YABU'S KATSU

In case you're a Yabu newbie, a "Set Meal" consists of unlimited Organic Brown Rice, Unlimited Miso Soup, Unlimited Organic Cabbage with with Wasabi or Shoyu Dressing, Japanese Pickles, and a bowl of fruit.

Although I mentioned that they're (in my book) on the top of the Katsu heap, that never stopped Yabu from innovating their successful products. Their popular Rosu Katsu Set (P405), is now made with U.S. Pork! The U.S. brand offers an even softer meat than its predecessor, and a more pronounced meaty taste.

Admittedly, the dish I was most eager to try was the Kurobota Miso Katsu Set (P580). It was the gloriously tender cuts of Black Berkshire Pork that we know and love, laying on top of a thick, sweet sauce, with the right hint of saltiness to whet your taste buds. I am a fan of mixing sweet with savory, so this one was a hit with me. The sprinkling of spring onions on top was the perfect compliment to an amazing dish.

Since my last visit, to Yabu SM Aura, they have already opened two more long awaited branches: SM North EDSA and Alabang Town Center, expanding the reach of their awesome Katsu goodness.

Again, based on my experience at the SM Aura branch, it would be best to come in a little early, perhaps a bit before 11:30, because the place will get full.

Oh, and a shout out to Erika and Eugene for yet another wonderful Yabu Experience!